AEW Star Jeff Jarrett Identifies AJ Styles as TNA’s Biggest Gamechanger
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A new discussion surrounding the foundational figures of Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) has emerged, with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) star Jeff Jarrett naming WWE’s AJ Styles as the promotion’s most impactful star. Jarrett, a co-founder of TNA alongside his father, Jerry, recently detailed the key individuals who contributed to TNA’s success on his “My World” podcast.
The Phenomenal One’s Impact
Jarrett firmly believes that Styles, known as “The Phenomenal One,” was the single most important star in TNA Wrestling’s history. This assessment is rooted in Styles’ consistent championship wins and overall contribution to the promotion’s growth. According to Jarrett, Styles’ success was also influenced by the support of his wife, Wendy, who played a crucial role in his decision to remain in the region and invest in TNA.
“A kid from Georgia, North Georgia, a landscaper, had a wife in school — thank god she was, or AJ might have gone up to Cincinnati [WWE],” Jarrett stated. “But he wanted to make his roots and stay there with Wendy and start their family and, you know, bought in, and then me and him had the working relationship in the ring, and you know, he becomes the Grand Slam winner and just, you know — just the continual.”
Jarrett emphasized Styles’ central role in TNA’s development, stating, “He’s the guy that literally everything was built around from the day we really started the company. You can go back and look at [his history] X-Division champion, and he’s a tag, and he was obviously a heavyweight champion, so AJ is the OG gamechanger. Yeah, it was no doubt — a no-brainer to put him at number one.”
A Pivotal Decision
Styles had previously received a developmental deal from WWE, but ultimately chose to sign with the Jarretts’ fledgling promotion. This decision proved pivotal for both Styles and TNA, establishing a long and successful partnership.
Beyond the Ring: Recognizing Key Contributors
Jarrett’s assessment of TNA’s gamechangers extended beyond the in-ring talent. He also highlighted the contributions of the commentary team, comprised of Mike Tenay and Don West, and longtime pro wrestling producer Keith Mitchell. These individuals, Jarrett explained, were instrumental in shaping TNA’s presentation and overall product.
The recognition of these figures underscores the collaborative effort that defined TNA’s early years and laid the foundation for its future success. Jarrett’s insights offer a valuable perspective on the individuals who helped build a wrestling promotion that, despite facing numerous challenges, left an indelible mark on the industry.
